Poenta Association

Poenta is an artist-run organization and also functions as a unique support group for artists.
The Poenta Association has been organizing the Novi Sad Book Festival project - NOFEK - for six years in a row. The Novi Sad Book Festival is a gathering space for people with the aim of involving young people and gaining experience in planning and writing cultural projects, leading project activities, acquiring skills in public speaking and media relations, and creating content for local people. The project confirmed its importance in 2018 when it received the "Recognition for the improvement of the cultural scene for young people" from the City Administration for Sports and Youth of the City of Novi Sad. A large number of artists, writers and writers who carry the prestige of nationally recognized and well-known authors supported the festival, while a large number of young authors and artists were promoted and affirmed at the festival itself. Every year, the festival is visited by a minimum of 500 young people from different groups, and the audience has its input in the selection of participants. What is specific to this festival is that every year the "Point" prize is awarded to young poets for the best poem between the two festival events. Since this year, the festival has awarded a unique and regionally unique "Recognition for Contribution to the Work of Youth in Culture" awarded by young people to recognized people of integrity who support the work of young people. Dr. Dragan Stanić, president of Matica Srpska. Every year, the festival introduces novelties in its project that contribute to the uniqueness and sustainability of the project, as well as the affirmation and promotion of young people in the world of literature.
The Poenta Association also launched a portal for literature and culture, where the entire editorial team is made up of people under the age of 30. The Poenta portal publishes the literary works of young poets, writers and essayists, presents the works of young visual artists, musicians, and reciters. There is a special column in which, in the form of interviews, peers from the aforementioned fields are presented to young people, as well as older artists who are role models for young people. The selection for awarding the "Point" award to a young poet is made precisely from the texts published on this portal. The public call for texts by young people is open all year round.
The association has three staff members who are the legal and formal backbone of the association, while the number of external collaborators, members of the project team and participants in the organization and implementation of projects is more than 20.
We collaborate with school teachers, librarians, and individuals interested in participating in artistic projects. Additionally, we are eager to engage in projects related to human rights and environmental protection that utilize artistic tools and methods. Our offerings include event organization expertise, festival management, and support for artistic projects. We are seeking partnerships and collaborations with those who share an interest in promoting the arts, fostering creativity, and addressing social and environmental issues through artistic means.